The DIFF becomes the RIFF this summer, as the Dahlonega International Film Festivalrelocates to Rome, Georgia. The fourth annual festival will take place September 9-Ð12.

"Dahlonega was chosen initially for its small-town atmosphere and classic movie theater, but the festival has grown from 150 entries in its first year to more than 759 in 2003, with 188 screenings representing 26 countries. It was just time to expand," say RIFF organizers. Rome, with its tremendous infrastructure and charming downtown, is strategically located between Atlanta, Chattanooga, and Birmingham, and was a reasonable choice.

"Rome has all the elements we loved about Dahlonega," claims Barry Norman, DIFF/RIFF founder and executive director. "Rome has the DeSoto Theater Ñ a classic art deco theater built in 1929 Ñ and that will be a wonderful place to showcase independent films. We are also excited about MB's at Village Theaters where beer, wine and snacks are sold inside the theater. Filmmakers from all over the world will love Rome, as will the film aficionado. I have no doubt that the RIFF will thrive."